For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
